Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park can take steps to avoid becoming another story of death and disaster by following these tips from the National Park Service.
- Plan to have sufficient food, water, rest, gear and protection from the elements. Always make sure that someone not traveling with you knows your planned travel route and schedule.
- Pack carefully and thoughtfully. Always carry a pack with warm outerwear, high-calorie food, water, maps, a cellphone, a first-aid kit, fire starters and other emergency supplies.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Most accidents in the Smokies come from slips and falls on wet rocks, wet logs and loose stones.
- Respect bears. Give bears their space and never feed them. If a bear looks like it will attack, be intimidating by yelling, throwing rocks and sticks and waving your hands. Do not turn and run away, as that may provoke a bear into giving chase.
- Watch the weather. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Snow can fall into May, and rain can occur daily throughout much of the year. Make sure to monitor the forecast and keep an eye out for changing conditions.
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